4.9
(36)
541
riders
20
rides
Mountain biking around Apple Valley offers diverse experiences across its varied landscapes. The region features a network of trails winding through desert terrain, mountain foothills, extensive park systems, and river greenways. Riders can explore routes that traverse open valleys, rocky hills, and natural habitats, providing options for different skill levels. This blend of high desert and mountain proximity creates a compelling environment for outdoor activities.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
4.5
(2)
84
riders
9.13km
00:47
70m
70m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(2)
69
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
47
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
35
riders
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
riders
3.23km
00:16
30m
30m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Challenging biking, I've only done the beginner and intermediate. I like the beginner loop a lot, out in the prairie, fast packed sand with some small jumps.
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There is now a "bridge" made out of a fallen tree with planks nailed to it and a rope hand rail.
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The last time I got here this summer, the logs were not here, so it was a water crossing, this is better!
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There is a nice small playground here and some picnic tables and a nice shelter. No bathrooms though.
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Parking by the dock is only for trailers. The car parking is over by the playground and has a human powered boat launch. Unfortunately that launch was filled with milfoil and a dead pan fish, but I used it anyway.
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Murphy-Hanrehan has miles of singletrack trails suited to riders of all abilities. Most of the trails would be considered easy by experienced riders, and the majority of technical features have ride arounds, so even beginners should be able to complete the loop. A hardtail mountain bike is more than enough to handle the terrain and experience riders could probably handle it on a hybrid or gravel bike.
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Orchard Lake, located in Lakeville, Minnesota (just south of Apple Valley), is a scenic, medium-sized lake popular for fishing, paddling, and quiet lakeside strolls. The public access point is on the west side at Orchard Lake Park, which features a boat launch, small beach area, picnic shelters, and restrooms. For cyclists, Orchard Lake is a nice detour—especially if you're piecing together a ride through Lakeville’s suburban greenways and park system. While there's no dedicated loop trail around the lake, the surrounding residential roads are bikeable and relatively calm. It’s a good spot to stop for a break, enjoy lake views, or link up with nearby parks like Casperson or Antlers if you’re looking to extend your ride.
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The lake is a popular spot for fishing, and has a small park with water access here on the south shore. There is also a beach area with restrooms on the west side of the lake, which makes for a great spot to watch the sun rise before an early ride.
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Apple Valley offers a network of over 20 mountain bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 12 easy, 5 moderate, and 6 difficult options available for exploration.
Yes, Apple Valley has 12 easy mountain bike trails perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is 15.2 miles long and offers scenic river views. Another easy route is the Skills Park loop from Savage, a shorter 2-mile ride.
The mountain bike trails in Apple Valley traverse diverse landscapes, including extensive park systems and river greenways. You'll find routes winding through wooded areas and along picturesque lakes, with varied terrain suitable for different ability levels.
Absolutely. Many trails offer scenic views, particularly along the Minnesota River. For example, the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop and the View of the Minnesota River – Artesian Well loop both provide beautiful river vistas. You can also find highlights like the View of the Mississippi River and the Observation Platform on Black Dog Lake near the trails.
The mountain biking experience in Apple Valley is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained trails, and the scenic beauty of the river views and park systems.
Yes, for advanced riders, there are 6 difficult trails. The Skills Park – Black Loop loop from Savage is a popular choice, offering technical challenges within a dedicated skills park area over 7.5 miles.
Yes, some routes are known for convenient amenities. The Parking and water fountain – Last Major Shortcut loop from Argonne is a moderate 19.3-mile trail that specifically highlights the presence of both parking and a water fountain, making it a practical choice for a longer ride.
Beyond mountain biking, Apple Valley, Minnesota, is rich in outdoor activities. You can explore the expansive Lebanon Hills Regional Park with its 20+ miles of trails and eight lakes for hiking, fishing, or kayaking. The Minnesota Zoo offers outdoor exploration with wildlife, and the Mississippi River Greenway and Minnesota River Greenway provide additional trails and scenic views.
Yes, Apple Valley features dedicated areas for honing your mountain biking skills. The Skills Park is a notable highlight, and routes like the Skills Park – Black Loop loop from Savage are designed to incorporate these technical challenges.
Many of the mountain bike trails in Apple Valley are designed as loops, offering a continuous riding experience. Examples include the Parking and water fountain – Last Major Shortcut loop from Argonne and the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the region's extensive park systems and river greenways suggest that spring, summer, and fall would offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking. Winter riding might be possible on some trails, but conditions would vary significantly with snow and ice.
Yes, for a unique experience, check out the View of the Minnesota River – Hand-Pulled Bike Ferry loop from Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. This 15.2-mile easy trail includes a hand-pulled bike ferry as part of its route, adding an adventurous element to your ride.


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